THE KOLO TOURE DRUG BUST: My boy is no dope, says dad

Kolo Toure’s father insists his God-worshipping son would never take performance-enhancing drugs.

KOLO TUREThe Manchester City star’s dad Mory said: “Kolo’s a strict Muslim and we’re a strict Muslim family. He would never get involved in anything like that.

“He does everything for his family and would never have anything to do with drugs.
“He just wants to do things the good way as a Muslim.”

Toure, 29, claims that he took his wife’s diet pills not realising they contained a banned substance.
His father added: “Kolo just took a slimming substance for his weight. It was a mistake as he didn’t know what was in it.

“But it’s wrong to say he has taken drugs.

“Kolo believes destiny will be on his side.”
Toure’s old boss, Arsene Wenger, is prepared to help clear his name if it goes to a tribunal.
Asked if he would be a character witness, Arsenal manager Wenger said: “Yes. He is a boy who has a clean life, very honest living, always at home, a family man and I do not suspect him at all to have taken drugs to enhance his performances.”

Former City chief Mark Hughes said: “Kolo leads his life correctly and hopefully it will be resolved and he can get on with his career.”

PFA chief Gordon Taylor said: “I feel convinced he has not been seeking to gain any advantage or to be cheating.

“He has just been unfortunate. Players have to be so, so careful these days.”
But Michele Verroken of Sporting Integrity said: “There are enough warnings out there. You simply cannot afford to be taking this stuff. There is no excuse.

“If he can convince a disciplinary panel of his innocence he will get away with a warning. On the other hand, if they don’t believe him, they can give a two-year ban.

“That would not just stop him from playing, he wouldn’t be able to train with a team either, which could have a devastating impact.”

Kolo’s too sane to cheat, says Yaya

Yaya Toure sprang to the defenc of his brother claiming that he is not guilty. Midfield raider Yaya could not believe his ears when he heard Kolo had failed a drugs test.

He insisted: “Kolo is a sane person – he did not use any substance that was illegal.”
But Manchester City team-mate Yaya admitted that the prospect of being labelled a drugs cheat has already had a negative effect on Kolo.

He said: “My brother is damaged. And the squad is affected because Kolo is an important man for us and one of our captains. So we want a quick solution to this problem.

“We all have confidence in Kolo. I am at Manchester City due to the insistence of my brother. For me it will be very hard to play without him in the team.”

Kolo’s personal manager Valer Gourizro was equally shocked but revealed City would be standing by their man.
Gourizro said: “Kolo’s reputation speaks for itself and we’re positive about that – he’s a clean player.

“He’s got everybody around him – his family, friends, the club, everything. Everybody in the game loves him.
“He’s lucky that he’s got Yaya as well as Patrick Vieira, who he played with at Arsenal. It’s good to have them around him at the moment.

“The coach, Roberto Mancini, likes him and I spoke to Brian Marwood at City last night.
“He said that the club will stand by Kolo and they know that he gives 100 per cent and does a lot of work for the club.

“He’s had phone calls from everybody in the game – the Arsenal players, Arsene Wenger, everybody. Nobody can believe it. It’s just a pity he’s taken a substance that turns out to be banned.

“He’s a devout Muslim and prays four to five times every day. He never goes to nightclubs, he’s always back home with his family. I couldn’t believe it when he told .